Uterine Cancer - Risk Factors and Prevention

Uterine cancer begins in the lining of the uterus and it can be defined as cancer with good prognosis if detected in time and properly treated. It is one of the leading cancers in women and is usually associated with late detection causing complications. It is also called the womb cancer and can be extremely painful for the woman. There are a number of risk factors that may be associated with uterine cancer.

Risk factors and causes of Uterine Cancer :

Several factors influence risk of developing cancer in the endometrium which include:

• Anything that affects hormone levels- Taking estrogen after menopause, oral contraceptives pills, tamoxifen. The number of menstrual cycles over the life time, pregnancy, obesity, PCOD etc. As the cancer of the uterus is a hormone dependent disease, so any change in hormone status will affect the probability of getting affected. Pregnancy shifts hormonal balance towards more progesterone hence acting as preventive measure.
• Age – Women above the age of 50 are considered in risk of developing uterine cancer. Increasing age is also considered a risk factor.
• Diet and exercise – Diet high in fat increases the risk of developing uterine cancer.
• Diabetes – The patients of diabetes may have up to 4 times higher risk of developing cancer of the endometrium.
• Hereditary – Family history of uterine, colon, ovarian cancer can predispose to development of uterine cancer.
• Personal history – History of ovarian or breast cancer, endometrial hyperplasia, Radiation treatment to pelvic in the past can out you at risk of developing uterine cancer.
• Obesity – Weight gain causes increase in body fat which can increase oestrogen levels and increase the risk for cancer.
• Use of intrauterine device – They can decrease the risk of developing ca endometrium.

Prevention of Uterine Cancer:

• Be physically active
• Stay at a healthy weight
• Use hormone treatment judiciously and in proper consultation with your doctor
• Do not ignore any precancerous condition of endometrium.

Regular checkups are a must  if you have familial history